That’s right, chicas. Today we’ve got a really fun 1940’s inspired shoot with a dose of glam and tiny dollop of taxidermy. And for some reason, it completely has me rockin. Photography is by Brienne Michelle, Photography. Production, concept and styling is by Samantha Santana of Primary Petals (who rocked the florals, fashion, custom linens, and vintage rentals) and make up artist Christina Richardson of SCV Makeup. These gals really put together such a creative, stretch-your-creative-legs kind of concept and brought this shoot to life! Day of styling also included Emilee Sutherland, and Kathy LeBackes. The beautiful taxidermy is by Prey Taxidermy.

Be sure to check out all the additional resources below!

Here’s a little more info from Samantha of Primary Petals, who created the concept and styled the shoot (as well as designed the flowers!):

The 1940s conjure mental images of mink fur and Hollywood glamour. The aesthetic motifs of this era provide some interesting design opportunities as they relate to the majesty of the animal world. SCV Makeup Artist and Primary Petals took this opportunity to collaborate and play with this relationship by placing a different spin on our archetypal conception of the 1940s. Instead of simply donning fur and lace, the concept of this shoot was to pose extreme glamorous beauty against phenomenons of the animal world. Hence the “beauty and the beast” idea was formed. Every feminine and floral element contains beastly objects, such as feathers or snake skin. The animals, although the supposed “beasts” of the shoot, reminisce instead of a calm Eden in the warm glowing window backdrops. The ambiance of domestic light along with elegant feathers, flowers, and china reflects the glamour of the 40s back onto the animals. The effect is the sort of wonderment familiar to a visit to the natural history museum. Allowing our scene to capture the transcendent wild in the comfort and elegance of a library is the fascinating craft of taxidermy, namely that of Prey Taxidermy Designs who donated all specimen for this shoot.

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Kelly SauerDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
Yeep! I can't say this is an attractive idea to me - but it is definitely unique!

The Wedding by JenDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
This post was meant for all those brides out there that have a groom that is so against the frills of a "girly" wedding......for all those outdoor, rugged grooms! I love how this was put together -- and I believe this is the first time I have thought of a stuffed raccoon as "cute"!

The Wedding by JenDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
Love how this was put together -- this wedding is perfect for the couple that has a groom very against very "frilly" or "girly" wedding plans. Plus, I believe this is the first time I have thought of a stuffed raccoon as "cute"!

Erika {Borrowed&Bleu}Date | 08 | 04 | 2011
I like all the 1940s details - they blend beautifully - but I still don't think I can get past the squick factor of the taxidermy. I'm not sure I consider it more manly, either. I know plenty of men who would be uncomfortable around them, too. Definitely not for everyone's tastes but very unique idea!

HiLLjODate | 08 | 04 | 2011
well... antlers: yes.
I have some that we found while tracking deer in the woods that I like to leave out as home decor!

meganDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
Love this just because it's so different and the execution is flawless. Plus, Samatha's flowers are amazing.

Invitation ConsultantsDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
wow! definitely a different perspective.
and is that a snake rattle in his bout?
(ha...snake in my boot...toy story..haha)

Samantha Santana {Primary Petals}Date | 08 | 04 | 2011
Thanks Megan for the compliment! I love to come up with challenging ideas to stretch my creative, so much like the Super Mario Wedding Shoot I did, it took a lot of research and preplanning to make sure the taxidermy flowed with the fashion and florals selected. I know people think James and me come up with impossible concepts, but we make them work!
Erika, yes, it is hard to get past the thought of taxidermy, however, if you see Allis Markman's work (of Prey Taxidermy), you just feel like you're at a zoo looking at the real things. Everything she does is so serene, and all the animals she treats are "green," meaning they died of natural causes. They look so alive, not dead at all.
Please check out more at www.primarypetals.com!

Brienne MichelleDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
So thrilled to be featured on the pages of Grey Likes! I was amazed (and I'll admit, skeptical at first) when Christina and Samantha told me the idea but they are geniuses at pulling it all together. I've never worked with taxidermy pieces before but Alis made it easy. It came together beautifully and I was thrilled to be a part of it! I love doing things that are so unique!

Brienne MichelleDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
So thrilled to be featured on the pages of Grey Likes! I was amazed (and I'll admit, skeptical at first) when Christina and Samantha told me the idea but they are geniuses at pulling it all together. I've never worked with taxidermy pieces before but Alis made it easy. It came together beautifully and I was thrilled to be a part of it! I love doing things that are so unique!

GreyDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
I'm glad to see this shoot caused some reactions! It's definitely a completely different kind of concept and I know for a lot of gals, it's love it or hate it. But the stylist in me really really loves the idea and I'm always excited to see our wedding industry stretch their creative legs.
I think it's so good for the overall industry to push boundaries a little...even if not everyone likes the idea. It makes us better artists, feeds that need to go a little crazy, and ultimately, allows us to be more equipped to handle our clients! Horray!

karen labatDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
This is amazing. I'm speechless. So creative beyond words,and so sheik at the same time. Great job young artists.

I'm KristenDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
I just really really really like that it isn't a "vintage with a suitcase and old film camera shoot." they pulled off 40's in a new way. i heaaaart!

Samantha Santana {Primary Petals}Date | 08 | 04 | 2011
Grey, I totally agree with you that the wedding industry needs to push the boundaries. There really are so many amazing artist, and we need to see a wedding as just another medium to create art.
If anyone wants to throw out another crazy idea, I will take the challenge and create it!

Larissa Nicole PhotographyDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
This is definitely unique & I love it! The use of the feathers in the bouquet, cake, and decor is quite exquisite.

DeniseDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
Very excentric!! Something the sport-enthusiast would appreciate. Props to the "bride" for being able to hold a snake skinned wrapped bouquet! (Don't think I could) Really like the antlers;) High gloss white antler themed wedding, now that I'd like to see!!

JasmineDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
I can't believe how much I love these photos!

Erika {Borrowed&Bleu}Date | 08 | 04 | 2011
Samantha ~ You all did a wonderful job portraying a unique, boundary-pushing concept, which is absolutely refreshing to see. I also have no doubt that Allis is very good at what she does (glad to hear it's a "green" process), but I think I get more of a Smithsonian museum of natural history vibe than a zoo vibe. :)

YelleDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
I love taxidermy, and I have been wracking my brain to figure out how to incorporate it into my engagement photos and wedding reception. This is truly inspiring <3

perryawDate | 08 | 04 | 2011
The wedding room of death!!!! I am too much of an animal lover to want the dead stuffed animals peeking out at me from lapel to bouquet, to table arrangement. It's different.